Preventing Suicide + Making Connections

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WHO WE ARE

The Military Helpline is here with free and confidential crisis intervention and sensitivity to military-specific issues.

Staffed by veterans and others trained in military culture we understand what you’re going through and can help you sort things out privately. Whether it’s family issues, anger, substance abuse, post traumatic stress or thoughts of suicide, call us. We won’t judge you and we’ll keep it to ourselves. (888) 457-4838. There is hope. Call now. Or you can text the Military Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by texting MIL1 to 839863.

WHY WE’RE HERE

JOSH“I am a U.S. Army Veteran of multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. During my fourteen years of service, I saw the best and worst of people around the world. I have always been impressed by the sacrifice of the volunteers of our nation, and wanted to find a way to give back. A friend and fellow veteran introduced me to the Military Helpline in January of 2016. After looking into this organization’s work, I appreciated the dedication of the staff and volunteers to assist veterans in need. Volunteering on the Military Helpline helped me regain an assurance that people still have the ability to care for other people. I believe that we owe it to our veterans, family members, and friends to not only have each other’s back on the battlefield, but to be there for one another once we return home.”
– Josh Sprecher, US Army Veteran, Military Helpline Volunteer

ASH
“I served six years in the U.S. Marines. After realizing what other veterans were going through, I started volunteering on the Military Helpline in 2010. The opportunity to answer calls not only gives me an authentic way to help, it broadens my understanding of the challenges veterans face every day.”
– Ash Trace, USMC Veteran, Military Helpline Staff

DAVE
“In 1983, I entered the U.S. Army. My service in the 2nd Ranger Battalion took me all over the world to countries such as Honduras, Panama, Somalia, and Egypt. Answering calls on the Military Helpline gives me a chance to offer myself in a more intimate and sustainable way, and puts me in a position to empathize with those whom I identify the most: veterans.”
– Dave Edgar, US Army Veteran, Military Helpline Volunteer

ANDREA“I’m an early post-Vietnam Coast Guard veteran. I was the first woman to be an Aviation Structural Mechanic, and the second woman in the aviation rates. I found out about the Military Helpline at a peer addictions recovery training and began volunteering shortly after. Working at this organization has been a great use of my over-twelve years of experience with the Veterans Health Administration and my desire to help people in crisis. It is especially meaningful to me as my oldest brother died by suicide at age twenty-five.”
– Andrea Gardner, USCG Veteran, Military Helpline Staff